There’s an Andrew Van Ginkel Update
A neck injury has sidelined Andrew Van Ginkel for about six weeks, and his absence has left Minnesota Vikings fans wondering when he might return. Well, according to Kevin O’Connell, that answer sounded like “sometime maybe soon” when the coach provided an update.
Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel has been out of the lineup since Week 3, and his head coach updated his status late last week.
Minnesota’s defense desperately needs an injection of something. Some have determined that Van Ginkel could be special sauce.
Andrew Van Ginkel on the Mend, but Return Date Not Totally Clear
O’Connell peeled back the curtain — but only so far.
O’Connell on Van Ginkel’s Recovery Timeline
A key defensive playmaker, Van Ginkel’s absence has been felt.
So folks listened to every word about Van Ginkel when O’Connell said last week, “I think he’s a guy that’s been able to continuously get the limited work in on the practice field to try and continue to stay sharp as he tries to get back into a place to be available to us. I’m encouraged by the fact that we’ve got a little bit more time this week and how Gink can possibly turn over.”
“When he’s available, and we can get him back out there, he’s one of those guys that is a critical part of how we want to play defense. When we can make that happen, and when that happens, will be a huge boost for us. Don’t really have an update right now on that for next week in any kind of concrete way. My hope is that we get to see Gink sooner rather than later for sure.”
A Neck Injury That Is Acting Like … a Neck Injury
Neck injuries always seem to involve mystery and unknown recovery timelines. Danielle Hunter and Vikings fans have stories from a half-decade ago.
They’re never cut-and-dried, so O’Connell’s update as an unclear statement unfortunately checks out. The almighty clue, perhaps, is that Minnesota did not place Van Ginkel on injured reserve last month, which would have ruled him out for at least four games.
The club expects him back in the near future, but assigning a specific go-live date just really isn’t a thing at the moment.
More Dallas Turner in the Meantime
The silver lining? The Vikings’ 22-year-old outside linebacker will continue to get more defensive snaps along the way with Van Ginkel sidelined.
There are two ways to examine Turner through 1.5 years of NFL experience:
a) There is the crowd that is upset Turner isn’t as good or as productive as Jared Verse, a draft-class mate of Turner’s, who is over two years older. That group wants Turner to be a Pro Bowler now, as Minnesota paid a lofty price to trade for him. Sunday afternoons are spent by that section of fans attacking Turner for not playing like Verse and questioning whether he’s a bust.
b) The other section believes the 22-year-old is on a commendable pace and that his game is taking shape. Young EDGE rushers take time to develop — just like quarterbacks — and by the time Turner is the same age as Verse, well, the verdict may be different than the 2025 lens.
A Reeling Vikings Defense
When Van Ginkel returns, he’ll join a Jekyll and Hyde defense.
Brian Flores and Co. played like their usual selves to start the season, pestering young quarterbacks and helping Minnesota secure three victories.
But recently, mainly after the Week 6 bye, Flores’ men had taken a nosedive, looking especially silly and vulnerable at the Los Angeles Chargers a few days ago.
Vikings Defense,
per EPA/Play,
NFL Ranking:
Before Bye Week: 1st
After Bye Week: 31st
Some think Van Ginkel can be the magic elixir.
Ted Schwerzler on Van Ginkel
Our Ted Schwerzler weighed in with Van Ginkel thoughts last week, “Van Ginkel signed an extension this offseason, after a career year in 2024, but things have not gone to plan since. The edge rusher has played in just two games. His only start of the season was Week 1 against the Chicago Bears.”
“He was officially held out earlier in the season, due to a concussion. His latest injury is a neck ailment. Danielle Hunter missed the entire 2020 season with a mysterious neck injury that he couldn’t shake, an injury that multiple local reporters have referenced, when discussing Van Ginkel’s. If O’Connell is attempting to shroud mystery on Andrew Van Ginkel’s availability heading into the Vikings’ Week 9 matchup vs the Detroit Lions, he’s not doing a very good job.”
Minnesota’s next chance to get right on defense will occur in six days when it takes on one of the NFL’s best offenses, courtesy of the Lions.
“Despite just two games of action, the Wisconsin alum has recorded two sacks. That’s just one shy of the team lead (Jalen Redmond – 3.0) and the same amount Jonathan Greenard has in seven games. Minnesota’s front seven was supposed to be elite and make up for a secondary that was questionable at best. Early on, Brian Flores and his boys did a pretty good job. But recently, they have faded,” Schwerzler continued.
“Without a doubt, the continued absence of Andrew Van Ginkel plays a role in that. But for now, the end of his extended absence may not be in sight. Van Ginkel signed a $23 million extension this offseason, and has a $19.4 million cap hit in 2026.”
Follow this week’s injury report to keep tabs on Van Ginkel. A full practice participation would be the smoking gun for his game-readiness.
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